News

Warley Training Centre earmarked for transformation

COUNCILLORS have given the green light to transform a site that is “gagging for redevelopment”.

It is hoped Warley Training Centre, in The Drive, which has stood empty for about three years, will be sold off to make way for a revamped site that could include new housing and some sort of
community facility.

It is possible the council could also retain some of the new properties to rent out to the private sector, which would generate an income to improve its services.

Councillor Russell Quirk, chairman of Brentwood Council’s asset infrastructure and localism panel, said in its current state the building is costing money to keep empty. In the last year about
£26,000 has been spent on rates, energy, maintenance and security costs.

Warley ward member, councillor David Tee, said residents realise it will need to be developed but urged that consideration is given to parking when a developer takes on the site.

“Many residents are already frustrated with car parking,” he said.

“We could identify a group of people, if we were to have a community hall there, that would be trustees of it and run it for the community - there is a desire and need.”